Forum, video address warning signs of violence

A new video-based forum about violence, sponsored by the Nevada State Psychological Association, is designed to educate people on the warning signs before tragedies, such as the Columbine High School shooting, occur.

"Warning Signs for Parents and Teens" is a forum that presents a 30-minute video co-produced by MTV and the American Psychological Association, with discussion after the viewing. It looks at the issue from the perspective of teens in their own words. The video was produced before the shooting in Colorado but has taken time to implement in each state.

"(The video shows) how to recognize when they're in despair and how to recognize the signs that they are going to commit a violent act," said Michelle Carro, Ph.D., public education coordinator for the Nevada State Psychological Association. The forum is finally reaching valley residents through a $5,000 grant from the Robert Whittemore Youth Anti-Violence Initiative.

According to the American Psychological Association, one in 12 high school students is threatened or injured with a weapon each year. Young people between the ages of 12 and 24 are at the highest risk of becoming victims of violence.

Aside from helping parents and teens better understand violent behavior, a second program goal is to erase some of the stigma surrounding mental health problems.

"The APA and the state association want people to learn about mental health and take the stigma away from (getting help)," Carro said.

Average attendance at such events so far has been sparse, only about 15 to 30 parents. Carro said she hopes to take the forum to high schools this year and talk about the issues with teens as well. The video is currently shown to youth in the juvenile justice system as part of rehabilitation.

"I'd like more kids than just the kids who are in trouble to see it," Carro said.

Possible warning signs of violence include frequent loss of temper, physical fighting, vandalism or other destructive acts and drug or alcohol use.

A community-wide program is scheduled at the Spring Mountain Treatment Center, 7000 W. Spring Mountain Road, at 7 p.m. Sept. 11. Additionally, the Whitney Ranch Recreation Center, 1575 Galleria Drive, is hosting two forums both at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 27 and Nov. 8.